Multisite Virtual Reality Intervention for Speech Anxiety

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

Brief Summary: Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism.

Detailed Description: The goal of this multicenter clinical trial is to examine predictors of VR exposure therapy outcomes for college students with public speaking anxiety following a positive or negative mood induction. The overarching aim of the present study is to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism. State affect is manipulated at an experimental level with affect induction procedures; trait positive affectivity is measured at baseline.

The study involves three phases: (1) initial screening, (2) in-person assessment and brief exposure intervention for a subset of participants with elevated public speaking anxiety, and (3) a one-week follow-up assessment conducted online. Students who choose to participate and screen high on a public speaking anxiety scale will be assigned to a positive or negative mood induction condition prior to undergoing VR-based exposure therapy. Public speaking and social anxiety outcomes are measured immediately post-intervention and one week later. The one-week follow-up assessment represents the primary outcome.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Self-report of 18 - 70 years of age
Current student at a participating University
Ability to read English to provide informed consent
Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device (e.g. phone, tablet).
For Phase 2: speech anxiety scale score of ≥ 18 on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS)

Exclusion Criteria

Previous participation (i.e., no participant may take the survey more than once).

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Positive or Negative Mood Induction via film clips	Single-session VR exposure intervention	VR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Public Speaking Anxiety	One week follow-up assessment	Assessed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS). Scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores associated with higher public speaking anxiety.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Valence	One week follow-up assessment	Self-report measure of how participant feels about having to give a speech
Assessed using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)	One week follow-up assessment	Assessed using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Scores range from 0-68, with higher scores indicating greater social phobia.
Public Speaking Anxiety	Post-treatment assessment immediately after the intervention	Assessed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS). Scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores associated with higher public speaking anxiety.

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